Bureau of Geological Survey Sonic Drilling

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Geologic Survey is requesting bids for sonic core drilling and shallow diamond core drilling services to extract intact sediment and bedrock core samples from shallow subsurface depths in support of geologic research, with bids due October 27, 2026.

The Department operates a race and gender-neutral Small Business Reserve program under the Commonwealth's Small Business Procurement Initiative. Vendors qualifying as Small Businesses (for-profit, independently owned, not dominant in field, no more than 100 full-time equivalent employees, three-year average gross revenues not exceeding $47 million) may self-certify. Small Diverse Businesses must achieve SB self-certification first, then submit current certification from approved third-party sources to the Department of General Services' Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities.

The scope requires contractor capability in both sonic and diamond core drilling methodologies with demonstrated competency to preserve sample integrity and meet scientific research standards. The contractor must provide experienced personnel, specialized drilling equipment with documentation of calibration and maintenance, intact core samples, detailed drilling logs, sample documentation, and comprehensive reporting of drilling activities. Work is performed in Dauphin County and requires coordination with BGS staff and compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations, safety standards, and environmental protection requirements. Contractors must complete and submit a mandatory Worker Protection Form documenting acknowledgment of worker protection requirements and safety protocols.

The initial contract term is one year with potential for up to four additional one-year renewal terms subject to mutual agreement. The Commonwealth will award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and reserves the right to award by line item if determined in its best interest. Contractors must be registered in Pennsylvania's Vendor Master file. Compensation is at prices quoted in the purchase order with payment via Automated Clearing House within 30 days of proper invoice receipt. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, provide a one-year warranty on all work performed, and indemnify the Commonwealth against third-party claims. No pre-bid conference is scheduled. Questions must be submitted in writing to the Issuing Officer, with responses posted as addenda on the eMarketplace website.